Debate the future of America 2012

When

2.00pm–3.00pm

25 August 2012

Where

University of Sydney

Penrith Selective High School has emerged triumphant after tackling the big issues in American politics in the United States Studies Centre’s ‘Debate the Future of America’ competition as part of the University’s Open Day in August.

In a reversal of the result of last year’s final, a full house watched the sharp and consistent trio from Penrith narrowly defeat their fellow finalists from North Sydney Girls High School on the topic: “Barack Obama deserves a second term in office”. For their efforts, the students won three iPads for their school.

“It is great to see such a strong rivalry building between these two teams, and even though the competition is only in its second year, both teams had to overcome some very tough competition to make it to the final,” said Centre lecturer and head adjudicator David Smith.

The final followed a tough qualifying competition, tackling issues like the need for the US to enact stricter campaign finance laws and whether America should introduce compulsory voting.

US Studies Centre elections analyst Luke Freedman, who judged the final debate, said “it’s great to see that Sydney high schools are not only focused on HSC marks but are also producing great speakers and future leaders with a real understanding of Australian and US politics.”

The final debate saw students from both teams question whether Obama had disappointed America, delivered on his election promises, and been too politically pragmatic, with Penrith emerging victorious on the strength of their rebuttal and the performance of third speaker Natalie Buckett.